Motion 5.0.2 and Compressor 4.0.2

Besides today's FCP X 10.0.3 update, Motion and Compressor have also been updated.

Motion 5.0.2 contains improved speed and responsiveness in text editing, ability to automatically record keyframes when recording is disabled, a keyboard shortcut for re-positioning animation curves or paths, ability to adjust pan and scale of an image in a drop zone, and an enhanced look to Keyframe editor for easier keyframing and editing.

Compressor 4.0.2 now makes markers Chapter Markers by default, added uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit 4:2:2 to export settings list, and have improved speed of transcoding from uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 to ProRes.

Both of these updates are free to Motion 5 and Compressor 4 owners.

Final Cut Pro X 10.0.3

Apple has released a significant update to Final Cut Pro X this morning, bringing it to 10.0.3. This new version brings with it features that would normally be added at a full number release - multicam editing, broadcast monitor support (considered beta for the time being to give hardware makers time to polish drivers), Chroma Key improvements, layered Photoshop file support, media relinking, and more.

10.0.3 is a free update available via the Mac App Store. You can read more about the features and watch some demo videos on Apple's Final Cut Pro website.

We'll take a look at the new features at our February 23rd meeting.

Our friends at AJA have been hard at work on drivers supporting the new broadcast monitoring features. You now get broadcast monitor support via the new IoXT via Thunderbolt.

Our friends at Sapphire have announced that Sapphire Edge is now available for FCP X as well!

Philip Hodgetts (yes, he's a friend too) from Intelligence Assistance has released 7toX, a $10 app in the Mac App Store to move your old projects in FCP 7 to FCP X.

FCP X Troubleshooting

The LA FCPUG has a great article for anyone running FCP X. Just like all the little tricks you needed to make sure FCP 7 ran smooth, FCP X has it's own batch troubleshooting tips that just might make your life a little easier someday. Might want to bookmark this one!

Nikon Announces D4 HDSLR

A lot of you know I'm a huge Nikon fan, and I've been waiting for them to step up and supply their users with a body that you could properly shoot video with. They delivered that camera tonight (well, they actually just announced, they'll start delivering the end of February). That camera is the Nikon D4.

I'll skip a lot of the details, if you're interested you can read through DP Review's overview article, but I want to point out a couple things that should make it interesting to video professionals. What makes the D4 special in a crowded DSLR video market? It has a feature that no other DSLR camera does - it outputs a full 1080p uncompressed signal out HDMI. That's right, you can use AJA's Ki Pro or mini (or any other HDMI recording device) to record a 8-bit 422 uncompressed image with no display info ruining it.

Other exciting features include backlit buttons, the ability to change ISO, shutter speed, and aperture while recording, 1/8th stop aperture increments for smoother changes, and an optional wireless transmitter that lets you control the camera from any web-based device (like an iPad or iPhone) including a live video feed on the device.

The camera should begin shipping in mid-to-late February for $6000. Visit Nikon's D4 website for full specs, details, sample images, and brochure.

Welcome 2012!!

As everyone begins anew for 2012, I'm really excited for what's coming down the pike this year. While a lot will be changing during the course of the year, some things with our group won't be, but that's a good thing! We are welcoming back AJA as our Platinum Sponsor for 2012! I couldn't be more excited, as we'll be hearing about a lot of great things from them this year. 

We're also welcoming back GenArts as a meeting sponsor as they promote their Sapphire Edge software. You may have noticed their new logo there to the right - check out Edge and the brand new GenArts website.

Not to be left out, Noise Industries has agreed to another full year of sponsoring the group as well. FX Factory is a go to tool for anyone using Final Cut Pro, 7 or X.

Just confirmed - motionvfx.com has also extended their sponsorship through 2012. A great source for anyone working in video, whether you need motion graphics to work right out of the box or if you want to do a lot of customization. They have a huge collection that seems to grow everyday.

Keep an eye here this coming year, as we plan to publish a lot more industry news and links to cool projects (send us your links or ones that you think are cool) in addition to information about our meetings.

Here's to a great 2012!